title: Early recognition of critical stenosis high in the left anterior descending coronary artery.
abstract: We describe an electrocardiographic finding indicative of critical stenosis high in the left anterior descending coronary artery. Patients at risk have prior angina and normal or minimally elevated cardiac enzyme levels. Their electrocardiogram exhibits no precordial Q waves and little or no ST elevation but, rather, deep and symmetric T waves. The presence of these findings indicates that the patient has had subendocardial ischemia or infarct, which, if not treated, may evolve to encompass the entire thickness of the myocardium. The need for prompt recognition of these critical warning signs is obvious. Critical care nurses must be prepared to recognize and act on these findings in a rapid, efficient manner.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425-0600.
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Paul
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003422:Critical Care; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009730:Nursing Assessment